How To Fix QE521 - Characteristic & & is not a long-term characteristic

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: QE - RM-QSS Fehlertexte zur Ergebniserfassung

• Message number: 521

• Message text: Characteristic & & is not a long-term characteristic

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message QE521 - Characteristic & & is not a long-term characteristic ?

  The SAP error message QE521 indicates that a characteristic you are trying to use is not defined as a long-term characteristic in the system. Long-term characteristics are typically used in quality management (QM) processes to track attributes that are stable over time, such as specifications or standards for a product.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when:
  
  You attempt to use a characteristic in a quality inspection or quality control process that is not set up as a long-term characteristic in the system.
  The characteristic may be defined as a short-term characteristic, which is not suitable for the operation you are trying to perform.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Definition:
  
  Go to the characteristic definition in the SAP system (transaction code CT04).
  Verify if the characteristic is marked as a long-term characteristic. If it is not, you will need to change its settings.
  
  
  
  Change Characteristic Settings:
  
  If you have the necessary authorizations, you can modify the characteristic to set it as a long-term characteristic.
  In the characteristic definition, look for the option to define it as a long-term characteristic and make the necessary changes.
  
  
  
  Consult with a QM Specialist:
  
  If you are unsure about changing the characteristic settings, consult with a Quality Management specialist or your SAP administrator. They can provide guidance on whether the characteristic should be long-term and help with the necessary changes.
  
  
  
  Review Usage in Inspection Plans:
  
  If the characteristic is used in inspection plans, ensure that the inspection plans are correctly configured to use long-term characteristics.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, perform a test to ensure that the error no longer occurs and that the characteristic can be used as intended.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Long-term Characteristics: These are typically used for attributes that are stable and do not change frequently. They are essential for maintaining quality standards over time.
  Short-term Characteristics: These are used for attributes that may vary frequently and are not intended for long-term tracking.
  Quality Management (QM) Module: Understanding the QM module in SAP can help you better manage characteristics and inspection processes.
  
  If you continue to experience issues after following these steps, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal IT team for further assistance.